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Gnocchi Faceoff

It all began one night over a glass of prosecco, a few travel and food writers talking gnocchi. I don’t know who’s idea it was first — how about we all get together… Read More →

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A Taste of Virginia

How does an oyster find its way to your plate? These briny bivalves have been a favorite of mine for years, but until recently, I didn’t ask too many questions about them. As… Read More →

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Long Live the Greeks

Managing to take my eyes off piles of produce in a bustling Greek market, I noticed something. Despite the deep fried pastries smothered in honey I had just eaten with a frothy little… Read More →

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Writer in the Kitchen: Dublin’s San Lorenzos

“In Italian cooking, there’s nowhere to hide.” I had just asked Temple Garner — chef/owner of a new Dublin restaurant called San Lorenzos – why Italian food? “The Italians have a generosity of spirit, a… Read More →

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Overlooking the Rhine River on a misty October day.

The Kindness of Strangers

Even the most experienced traveler needs to rely on strangers once in a while. During time spent traveling, it is possible to hone your kindness radar: you learn over time what sort of… Read More →

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hamburg

Affordable Europe

Sticking with my recent recession theme, I thought I’d highlight some affordable destinations in Europe.  Now that July and August have come and gone, the crowds have left Europe. September and October are… Read More →

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Anacapri, Italy

How to Keep Traveling During the Recession

We’re all feeling the pinch. Luckily–  airlines, hotels, and restaurants are included in that ‘we’ as well. While some of the ads you see suggesting, ‘once in a lifetime deals!’ are just marketing, others… Read More →

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Beautiful Rome

To Write, We Must Read.

There is plenty of research to do while I’m writing a memoir about my first Grand Tour of Europe. This research extends beyond cuisine, culture and history – and into the history of… Read More →

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Swimming Spot in Dalkey, South County Dublin

Culture Night 2009

I know I’ve been writing a lot about Dublin lately, but that speaks to the vitality of Irish culture. We may be in a recession, but there is still free arts and culture… Read More →

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Celebrating 250 Years of Guinness

If you’ve been to Dublin lately, you must have wondered, WHO is Arthur? Throughout the city, ‘Arthur Day’ advertisements prompted excitement for September 24 with red electronic signs counting down the minutes. And… Read More →

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Zlatni Rat, Croatia.

Summer Round-up: Best Beaches

Walking through Dublin yesterday, for the first time this season a yellow and orange leaf fell from a tree into my path. It is true, summer is over. I like autumn, but I… Read More →

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Herbert Park, Dublin.

Planning a Picnic

During the year I was first traveling across Europe, friends from home would send off a quick, one-line e-mail that always asked the same question: So what exactly do you DO all day?… Read More →

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Cafe in Dubrovnik, Croatia

An Old Lesson

It is said that in your hometown, you are most comfortable and tend to let your guard down. You stay out later, are aware which neighborhoods to avoid, and know where petty thieves… Read More →

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Cooking with fresh pasta in Venice

Travel Debate: Discounts

  Just ask. Travelers seem to have mixed feelings about asking for discounts. How does it make them look? Will it result in poor service? Will the all-powerful concierge at the other end… Read More →

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Armadillo Sculpture next door to Goode Company, Houston, Texas

Backyard Special: Welcome to Texas

My biggest travel dreams are often set in the most exotic locations: a week on a miniscule island in the Maldives or kayaking in Patagonia, Chile. These travel aspirations are wonderful for a… Read More →

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'The Claw'

‘This is Our Home’

Whether you love or hate U2, you couldn’t help but see how much they love Dublin. The end of July brought the world-famous rock band back to their hometown of Dublin for 3… Read More →

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Catching a Ryanair flight to Brussels. Or, somewhere way outside of Brussels.

To Ryanair or Not to Ryanair?

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View from the top of the Empire State Building

There’s No Place Like Home

  The seats were nosebleed, but it was James Gandolfini, live, on stage in the best production of the theater season.  I could only be in New York City. Just weeks after the… Read More →

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halfpenny bridge dublin

The First Time Means Something

As I landed in Dublin on Friday morning, the first time I arrived in Ireland came to mind. My passport now filled with large Irish stamps, my first trip in October of 2007… Read More →

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Bacharach, Germany

A Castle With a View

Somehow, things are just clearer from a mountaintop. What is it about the sense of achievement from a climb that breathes new life into our motivation? A renewed sense of commitment is found… Read More →

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Sevilla, Spain

Sevilla: Revisited

Yes, red wine and orange soda. A cube or two of ice. Surprisingly refreshing. When this concoction was first served to me in Sevilla, I realized something had gone wrong with my attempt… Read More →

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Slieve League, County Donegal, Ireland

‘So Much More Than We Can See’

This morning I had an email containing a link to the Irish RTE website to hear the Irish writer Joseph O’Connor talk about spending childhood summers in the west of Ireland in Connemara.… Read More →

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Luxembourg Gardens, Paris

Dreaming of France

My first tour of Europe brought me to Paris, but not anywhere else in France. After reading ‘A Year in Provence’ and spending time with a Parisian friend of South-of-France origin, my curiosity… Read More →

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